LI man gets 50 to life for raping young girl

June 17, 2011 10:06:47 AM PDT

Eyewitness News

WEST BABYLON --

A 28-year-old West Babylon man was sentenced Friday to 50 years to life in prison for raping a young girl.

Juan Ramirez was convicted last month of two counts of predatory sexual assault against a child, first degree sexual abuse and criminal sexual act. His victim was only identified as a girl under the age of 11.

"It has been said the only way to protect children from these sex offenders is to incarcerate them for the rest of their lives. We have taken a predator off the streets and in turn protected our children," Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

Suffolk County Court Judge Barbara Kahn issed the sentence.

After his conviction last month, Ramirez's defense attorney said his client insisted he was innocent. He called it a very sad case.